Description. BTI, an independent affiliate of Cornell University, seeks 2-3 innovative scientists who together will launch an interdisciplinary program in an area that is new to the institute. This search is open to applicants from any area of plant science, or any other field with the potential to contribute to BTI’s mission to advance and communicate scientific discovery in plant biology to improve agriculture, protect the environment, and enhance human health. Projects that include translational or methodological components are welcomed, but the potential for discovery is also important. Appointments will be made at the Assistant Professor level. A generous startup package apportioned to individual and collaborative programs will be provided.

Application process. Applicants should provide a description of their research experience and an additional statement of future research interests and vision, totaling up to three pages (excluding any literature citations). One additional page should be used to describe the applicant’s experience in collaborative science, and in what way her/his research vision could be enhanced through collaboration. If any potential collaborators are also applying to this search, please make reference to them in this statement. A CV of no more than three pages, including the names of three references, should also be included. Preference will be given to applicants seeking their first faculty position. Materials should be submitted as a single PDF to clusterhire@btiscience.orgby October 5th, 2018.

Interview process. To identify members of a new interdisciplinary cluster, BTI will conduct the following interview process. Promising applicants will be invited to a public symposium on November 5th, to present their current research and future vision. On November 6th, interviewees will have an opportunity to interact and discuss potential collaborative projects. In the next phase of the search, BTI will evaluate short synopses of proposed collaborations for new cluster areas developed by interviewees in the weeks after the symposium. Those clusters judged to have the greatest promise for successfully founding a new interdisciplinary program will be invited for a formal interview in early 2019. While the collaborative vision is critical for the success of the cluster hire, it does not exclude the pursuit of individual projects, or collaborations outside the cluster.

Please send any inquiries to clusterhire@btiscience.org. We will be happy to arrange video conferences to discuss this opportunity. Additional information about BTI can be obtained at http://btiscience.org. BTI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We particularly encourage applicants to take diversity into account as they consider collaborative opportunities. BTI also prides itself on family-friendly policies and is committed to helping its staff achieve career success with an appropriate work-life balance.